Tips and Strategies on Writing Letters of Recommendation
If you wish to write a letter of recommendation, there are a number of standard guidelines you should follow. These guidelines are in addition to the general guidelines on writing a standard letter. The guidelines on writing recommendation letters are more "situational" than rigid steps to be follow.
Asking for a Letter of Recommendation. Writing a recommendation letter can be tricky. Depending on the type of letter you are writing, you may want to appear professional and at the same time bring out the character traits of the person you are recommending without coming out as cocky. The letter you write will not only affect the reputation of the person whom you are recommending, but can also affect their future career prospects.
Below is a quick overview of how you should write a recommendation letter.
To show your credibility, write the letter on your company's letterhead. Like is the case with writing general business letters, have an opening paragraph, body and closing paragraph. Somewhere in the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and mention your relationship to the individual in question. You should also indicate how long you have known the individual.
Make the opening References paragraph of the letter count. For example, if you are happy or honored to recommend the individual, say so. A boring opening paragraph may indicate you were not interested in writing the letter.
In the body of the letter, outline the traits that make the person you are recommending shine. This is the place to highlight the individual's character traits, capabilities, accomplishment and other positive aspects. Indicate how you know the individual and how you were involved with his/her work, which makes you sure of his/her capability. Highlight any high profile projects where the individual made a significant contribution. Read http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/11/25/cb.do.references.matter/index.html?iref=nextin to learn if these letters really are essential.
At the end of the content, summarize your recommendation of the individual. Then, sign off by including your title and signature at the end of the letter. If you have an office rubber stamp, stamp the letter.
What to Avoid When Writing a Letter of Recommendation
The letter of recommendation is a formal document that can make or break the career of the person you are recommending. Thus, you should strive to be professional in your recommendation. Follow the rule of formal letter writing and be positive with the information you provide.
Avoid using hyperbole or dabbling around with information. Rather, be concise and straight to the point. If possible, back up your assertions of the individual's character or capabilities.
